For each case listed below, complete the following, a. Read each case b. Why might this identification be unreliable? c. What should the police have done to make it more reliable? d. Do you think the identification should be admitted in court? Explain.
Case 1: Hospital Visit An attacker in the victims home slays the husband and severely wounds the wife. Police bring a suspect to the hospital handcuffed to a police officer. The suspect is the only Latino man in the room. An officer asks the wife whether the suspect is "the man". After the suspect repeats :a few words for voice identification," the wife identifies him as the attacker. At trial, the wife identifies the suspect.
Case 2: Hallway An undercover police officer buys heroin from a dealer in a hallway lit only by natural light. The two stand two feet apart for about three minutes. Afterward, the officer describes the dealer to another officer as "a colored man, approximately five feet eleven inches tall, dark complexion, black hair, short styled, having high cheekbones, and of heavy build." The other police officer things he recognizes the suspect from the description. He leaves a police photograph of the suspect for the undercover officer, who sees it two days later and identifies it as a picture of the dealer. In course, the officer identifies the suspect.
Case 3: Lineups At an initial lineup, the witness fails to identify the suspect. Police arrange a show-up, at which the witness makes a tentative identification. Finally, at another lineup, the witness makes a definite identification of the suspect.
Case 4: Parking Lot Show-up A woman calls police and reports seeing from her apartment a man rampaging through a parking lot. Police arrive, stop the man, and an officer goes to the witness's apartment to talk to her. When police ask her to describe the man, the witness points out of her window to the man standing next to the police officer in the parking lot. The witness later fails to identify the man in a throw-down at the police station.
FORENSIC SCIENCE
The word forensic has its root in the Latin word forum. In ancient Rome, a forum was a public place where citizens discussed politics, a marketplace where they traded goods, and the venue for criminal trials. Today, the word forensic can apply to anything related to the law.
Forensic Science: applies scientific investigation to the law
First known text on using medical procedures to investigate crime: 13th century China (Hsi Duan Yu or The Washing Away of Wrongs) gives details of how to examine a persons neck to determine if they died by drowning or strangulation.
19th century development of photography allowed police to retain photos of people they arrested.
The First Forensic Use of DNA In 1986, two separate murders of teenage girls took place near Leicester in England. Both girls had been raped and strangled. Fearing a serial predator was on the loose, police went on a manhunt. Soon, investigators focused on a 17 year-old suspect who had displayed great interest in one crime scene.
Using the technology of the time, serologists analyzed blood samples that police thought would link the suspect to the crime. The test results were negative. Police knew about a local geneticist named Alec Jeffreys who had developed a technique to map DNA. Police asked Jeffreys for help in creating DNA profiles based upon the suspects blood sample and from semen found at the crime scenes. Jeffreys agreed, and his analysis exonerated the 17 year-old suspect.
His analysis also established that the same person had committed both rapes and murders. Police then asked all local males between the ages of 17 and 34 to provide blood samples for DNA analysis. If a sample matched the profile created by Jeffreys, the police would have a suspect. The police collected thousand of samples, but none matched the profile.
After many months, a local bakery employee tipped off police that a coworker told her he had taken the blood test in place of someone else. When police questioned him, he named his fellow baker, Colin Pitchfork, as the man he had taken the test for. When Pitchfork was tested, his DNA matched. This led to Pitchfork's 1988 conviction for the rape-murders. The case thus involved both the first person ever to be exonerated and the first person ever to be convicted based on DNA evidence.
Forensic Science Career Opportunities
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Trace Evidence Examiner (KW) Summary: Trace evidence is created when objects contact. Material is often transferred by heat induced by contact friction. The job of a trace evidence examiner is they find the evidence on the scene of a crime. Then, in the lab they compare the materials or fibers to other things to find out what they were and where they came from. Trace evidence examiners identifies and compares specific types of trace materials that could be transferred during the commission of a violent crime. These trace materials include human hair, animal hair, textile fibers and fabric, rope, feathers, soil, glass, and building materials. The physical contact between a suspect and a victim can result in the transfer of trace materials. The identification and comparison of these materials can often associate a suspect to a crime scene or with another individual. These examinations are conducted to assist in the identification of human remains.
Average pay: $58,000 a year
Degree needed: Minimum of a baccalaureate degree.
Open jobs: There job openings for this job across the country.
Interests: Someone who likes to compare different materials, someone who has very good problem solving skills, and someone who pays attention to details at the crime and when comparing materials. Someone who is good at science.
Crime Lab Scientist:(AA) Summary: Crime lab scientists examine the evidence once it is sent back to the lab. They also analyze physical evidence found on either the victim, at the scene of a crime, or both and to compare it to evidence found on the suspect. They can provide expert testimony in a court of law. Preparation of reports describing the results of their analysis. Biology is a major factor in this field of work, as well. Anybody who is interested in science would be ideal for this job. Average Pay: $20,000-$40,000/year Education & degree needed: A bachelor’s degree in either forensic science or a related science, like biology, chemistry, molecular biology, physics, and microbiology. It requires, typically, a 4-year program, with an additional 2-year program that is specialized. Open-jobs: There are a lot of jobs in this position. The job outlook is continuously looking better with every year and with the crime rates going up.
Applying scientific methods to examine evidence and than testify in court for what they find. They will analyze several different kinds of evidence. They may find themselves working with bullets, tool-marks, and other weapons in order to identify them and connect them to a criminal. They may also look for traces of evidence such a gunpowder residue or soil in order to gain more information on what occurred during the crime. On of the more modern things criminalistics do is analyzing DNA to compare suspects with DNA left at a crime scene. Finally, they also use toxicology methods and chemistry to gain information about drugs and alcohol and the role that they played in the crime.
It seems to me that a person who loves science would be a good fit. In addition, they should also like to analyze data and track results. Problem solving skills are also important as there will be highly unusual cases.
Future of the position: Average pay- $21.79
Bachelors degree in chemistry, biology or forensic science
Perform physical and chemical analyses of evidentiary substances encountered in the course of criminal investigations or conduct chemical analyses to determine the nature and quantity of toxic substances in body tissues and fluids of living or deceased persons for forensic or criminalistics purposes not primarily related to patient care
Collecting and analyzing physical evidence. Subject to be called at any hour. May work in adverse or unpleasant conditions including high places and in close proximity to dead bodies
The science of using pharmacology or chemistry, to help medical or legal investigators determine a person’s cause of death. Forensic toxicologists may check blood, urine and other body fluids for high amounts of drug concentrations that may have caused death. Forensic toxicologists also have the responsibility of checking the brain, spleen and liver for evidence of drug use that may have caused early death in the victim. In addition to this, forensic toxicologists also check stomach contents for evidence that can point to cause of death. All of this information found postmortem can be strong evidence used in court to convict a defendant.
Students who have a love of chemistry and science are often attracted to a forensic toxicology career
Summary: Also known as forensic imaging, this occupation has the task of producing accurate images of a disaster or accident scene for the benefit of a court. This is a very crucial part in collecting evidence. This job helps provide investigators and detectives with photos of the scene, as well as any other objects or items present. Forensic photography includes choosing the best lighting for situations, accurate angling, and most importantly different viewpoints. All the images taken provide very crucial pieces of evidence for solving a crime.
This Is Best For: People who love taking photos, or have a ‘good eye’ for spotting things
WHAT IS IT: Everyday, the work of a DNA analyst changes. The routine day typically involves spending some time in the lab processing DNA samples given to them from the crime scene. The analyst catalogues and processes it. After that, they work to develop DNA profiles from the samples gathered. They are a very important part in the chain of custody. Once the DNA is analysed, the analyst creates various reports of the findings and how each test they completed was performed. DNA analyst are also responsible for completing routine maintenance checks of lab equipment.
WHO WOULD LIKE IT: People who enjoy science and staying organized would love this job. You don't deal with any people, only blood, hair, and other DNA's. Those who enjoy working with crime, but not criminals or the deceased would enjoy this job.
THE PAY: The average annual salary for a DNA analyst is $64,000.
EDUCATION: They must earn either an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in forensic science or a related field.
OPENING: There is an opening for DNA analyst in Allegheny, Pennsylvania. The job pays $2,985.23 - $4,990.41 per month. A bachelor’s degree in a natural, physical or forensic science, or a bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college and an advanced academic degree in the aforementioned sciences. Successful completion of college level coursework in biochemistry, genetics, and molecular biology also is required.
Forensic Psychology is the intersection between psychology and the justice system. This study of forensics is the study of the brain, and what causes someone to do what they do, and why they did it. A forensic psychologist should be able to testify in court as an “expert witness,” and to provide information to legal personnel in a way that can be understood. These individuals can be trained in any branch of psychology such as clinical, social, or organizational. When you are a psychologist, usually, you are an expert in one expertise. As you become more experienced, you can become an expert in more categories and deal with different things, instead of being isolated into one section. In crimes, forensic psychologists can recommend sentencing for the defendant or other treatments for the person. They study the mind of the person and why they do the things that they do.
Forensic Psychology is the intersection between psychology and the justice system. This study of forensics is the study of the brain, and what causes someone to do what they do, and why they did it. A forensic psychologist should be able to testify in court as an “expert witness,” and to provide information to legal personnel in a way that can be understood. These individuals can be trained in any branch of psychology such as clinical, social, or organizational. When you are a psychologist, usually, you are an expert in one expertise. As you become more experienced, you can become an expert in more categories and deal with different things, instead of being isolated into one section. In crimes, forensic psychologists can recommend sentencing for the defendant or other treatments for the person. They study the mind of the person and why they do the things that they do.
Education/ Background:
Forensic Psychology is the intersection between psychology and the justice system. This study of forensics is the study of the brain, and what causes someone to do what they do, and why they did it. A forensic psychologist should be able to testify in court as an “expert witness,” and to provide information to legal personnel in a way that can be understood. These individuals can be trained in any branch of psychology such as clinical, social, or organizational. When you are a psychologist, usually, you are an expert in one expertise. As you become more experienced, you can become an expert in more categories and deal with different things, instead of being isolated into one section. In crimes, forensic psychologists can recommend sentencing for the defendant or other treatments for the person. They study the mind of the person and why they do the things that they do.
Open Positions:
Forensic Psychology is the intersection between psychology and the justice system. This study of forensics is the study of the brain, and what causes someone to do what they do, and why they did it. A forensic psychologist should be able to testify in court as an “expert witness,” and to provide information to legal personnel in a way that can be understood. These individuals can be trained in any branch of psychology such as clinical, social, or organizational. When you are a psychologist, usually, you are an expert in one expertise. As you become more experienced, you can become an expert in more categories and deal with different things, instead of being isolated into one section. In crimes, forensic psychologists can recommend sentencing for the defendant or other treatments for the person. They study the mind of the person and why they do the things that they do.
A Forensic Archaeologist is job that requires knowledge of osteology and human remains and how use archaeological techniques. They help provide vital evidence for the investigation team, the evidence that they would give is the age, sex, and other physical characteristics for the remains. Using the archaeology techniques to remove and transfer the remains to the lab and to help them keep the artifacts safe. As a forensic archaeologist they are used for investigation teams to dig and grid out the remains since they do this everyday compared to the team that they are helping out. The jobs they can do is search unlocated crime scenes, identify grave locations, recovery remains, and reconstruct a scene.
People that are interested in history and unraveling a story that is told by a group of bodies. They must understand and be able to identify a human and other organisms bones are and where they are located. A person who is in this field must be ready to get a little dirty because they will be in the dirt and holes that are filled with dead peoples bones.
The education that is required or better said, suggested, is have a minor in some type of science field. This can include biosciences, forensics or archaeology as a minor then have a major or phd in forensic archaeology, this degree is usually only available in universities in the UK.
A need for Forensic Archaeologist are few in the core of the criminal justice system, but the professionals with this title are only called when they are needed on a crime scene. When they aren’t on the actual scene and helping with a case, they are found in a university setting and teaching people about archaeology. An opening in Missouri is searching for someone to teach at their university but there is not an exact number on how much they are paid. Most likely the same that they would get paid to be a university professor.
A blood spatter analyst works on crime scenes. Like any other forensic scientist, they use tools that they command to determine facts about how a crime was committed and any other details that law enforcement might find useful to solve a crime or gain a conviction. From the way blood was spilled at the crime scene, the analyst might be able to determine a number of details. The angle in which the blood drops are present can determine several things. It can determine the distance between the killer and the victim at the time of the murder. Also it can determine the amount of wounds inflicted to the victim.
The analyst must complete at least six years of schooling. People who wish to work in the field of blood spatter analysis typically graduate with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and end up doing at least master’s level graduate work in forensic science.
The job itself involves a great deal of paperwork. Must be willing to work with blood.
The job of a bloodstain patter analyst often includes:
Responding to crime scenes
Interacting with bio hazardous material (blood and body fluids)
Taking photographs
Collecting samples
Writing reports
Testifying in court
Average Pay
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the starting salary for individuals in the field is around 55,000 dollars per year. Blood spatter analysts themselves can go on to command around 60,000 dollars per year as they gain more certifications and more experience. With more than 10 years in the field, typical pay was anywhere between $85,000 and $160,000.
Forensic Video Analysis (KH)
Forensic video analysis is the scientific examination of videos. The videos have to be reliable. The videos must be able to convert into different formats. The analyzer must be able to highlight someone or something interesting in the video. They need to enlarge a section of the video to pinpoint something. They also need to measure objects in the video. It is critical to measure heights of individuals in videos. Forensic video analysis is a great tool and it is cost-effective. This technique enhances poor-quality videos to make the usable for law enforcement, surveillance, security, or military operations.
A variety of people would be interested in holding a position of this job. Some characteristics that would be beneficial for it would include a technological aptitude that often cannot be taught. Because it cannot be taught, it is imperative that this aptitude be ingrained in the mind of the student before the schooling even begins. Another thing that would be helpful is the want learn. Due to the always changing nature of technology, a person with this job would always be learning new techniques that are not only better but also more efficient.
The average pay of a forensic video analyst is $48,000.
The education that is required for this job would include getting a degree in forensic science but in order to get the focus that forensic video analysts would need, numerous technological classes would also be very helpful.
The degrees that are required would be a bachelor's degree in forensic science, and a graduate degree specifying video analysis would also be highly recommended.
There is a job opening working for the City of Minneapolis in Minneapolis, MN working as a forensic video analyst.
Forensic Dactyloscopy is the study of fingerprints to help solve a crime when they are present. It first became large in 1905 by Sir Edward Henry when he used fingerprints to use solve a large murder trial in England. Ever since then fingerprints have been used by law enforcement widely throughout the world. Aluminum powder is often used to process fingerprints at scene. With the changing of technology, now the Federal Bureau of Investigations and many other law agencies around the world have been relying on AFIS “Automated Fingerprint Identification System” for a quick fingerprint search database, replacing the old card search system, which was slow and would take days. Fingerprints will always remain as the fundamentals of forensic science and crime solving.
If you are interested in close matching and searching for evidence then I believe this is the job for you.
To get into this career I would recommend having a degree in any or multiple sciences.
For more information on the career I recommend going to this website here
Forensic Anthropology is mainly utilized in a legal setting. PBS states that anthropology itself is the scientific study of origin, physical, social, and cultural development of humans. Forensic anthropology differs in that they apply anthropology with biology and science to the legal setting. A forensic anthropologist has the ability to identify the age, gender, and ethnicity. They can also determine if the deceased was pregnant. Forensic anthropologists study bones of the deceased to help the police identify who the person was in a homicide investigation. They can be called in to testify in court to present their findings as well.
People interested in biology, human anatomy and physiology, science, law, and medicine could consider forensic anthropology as a profession.
A forensic anthropologist can make between $35,000- $50,000 a year when they first start out. With more experience and a doctorate they could be paid up to $100,000. Bachelor of Arts (BA) in anthropology, Master’s of Arts (MA) in anthropology (once admitted into graduate school), and last a Doctorate in Philosophy (Ph.d) in anthropology. To have a higher salary, a Ph.d is required.
There is an opening at Keiser University in Jacksonville, Florida for a teaching position
Most job openings for a Forensic Anthropologists are in government institutions or universities.
Forensic seismology is the forensic use of the techniques of seismology to detect and study distant phenomena, particularly explosions, including those of nuclear weapons. Also because of the efficiency with which seismic waves propagate through the Earth and the technical difficulties of decoupling explosions to diminish their seismic radiation, forensic seismology is a critical technique in the enforcement of bans on underground nuclear testing.
The history of the forensic seismology was on July 25, 1946 the United States detonated the first underwater nuclear weapon in history, at the Bikini Atoll. The explosion generated a gas bubble that pushed against the water, generating a supersonic shock wave which crushed the hulls of nearby target ships as it spread out. Seismic waves of this test were observed at seismograph stations around the globe and it was realized that these waves could be used to detect and potentially characterize a nuclear explosion.
Future of the position: Average pay
Average salary can range from $35,000-$95,000
Education for this career
you can attend college and major in Earth Science or you can go to the military and get a career in Nuclear Testing or Nuclear Weapons.
Open Positions Join the military and go for nuclear weapons.
URL links to websites used to generate all information posted. "Forensic Seismology." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 11 Mar. 2013. Web. 08 Nov. 2013.
Forensic Chemistry (JC)
This position is mainly concerned with analyzing organic and inorganic compounds. There are many different methods to analyzing these things, one of them being spectroscopy. This is used by slamming the compound with infrared radiation. Because polar bonds in organic compounds vibrate a set amount depending on the bond structure, the frequency of radiation can be measured and identified as certain compounds. It will even identify compounds within compounds. There are other methods, like luminol which cause chemical reactions that allow the forensic chemist to identify what the compound actually is.
A love of chemistry is an obvious requirement for this job. Chemical reactions are the most prevalent things that occur in the job, and the knowledge to understand what is happening is required in order to get the correct identification. A certain level of a perfectionist attitude would also be recommended, though, because many of the reactions that take place require a very acute measurement of something, inaccuracy cannot be accepted. However, the most important thing will always be a love for justice and chemistry.
Average Pay: The median pay for all forensic chemists as of 2013 is $48,672.
An undergraduate degree in forensic science is required, and a graduate degree in forensic science is strongly suggested. Depending on which specific job is wanted, a biochemistry or biological focus would help for DNA-like jobs, while a geology focus is recommended for trace evidence-like jobs.
A bachelor’s degree is required, while a graduate degree in forensic science is strongly suggested.
There is a forensic chemist position open in Nashville, TN. It is for the Aegis Sciences Corporation, and it is a position in the Healthcare Labs.
Forensic Serology, as defined by wikipedia, is the detection, classification and study of various bodily fluids such as blood, semen, fecal matter and perspiration and their relationship to a crime scene. A forensic serologist may also be involved in DNA analysis and bloodstain pattern analysis. Not every lab has a Forensic Serologist so someone in another field such as a criminalist, a biochemist, a forensic biologist, or other technician will do what they do. These people usually have to have a Bachelor's or Master's degree, but serologist would possess an M.D. or Ph.D. In short, Forensic serologists test blood, semen, saliva and other bodily fluids found at crime scenes to get information that links a victim with a suspect.
Who might be attracted to position:
-strong people and communication skills
-organizational skills
-ability to juggle several tasks at once
Future of the position:
-at least an undergraduate degree in biology
-usually coursework in math and criminal investigation
-depending where you go, you might be required to have an advanced degree in biology or in forensic science or criminal justice
-internships are also helpful
Future Pay:
-about $52,000
Open Positions:
-Scientist (Serology/DNA Analyst) in Allegheny County
-Job Title: Scientist (Serology/DNA Analyst) Department: Medical Examiners Office/Forensic Lab DivisionSalary: $2,985.23 - $4,990.41 per month
They work with children. They are like a child advocate during an investigation, they are the people who obtain information from children during an investigation. They are solely used in a medical setting. They are not there to help the children emotionally, they are there to gain accurate information in a manor that is targeted to work for children. They are used for children under seven or who have history of abuse or a disability.Their goal is to get as much accurate information as possible from children without scaring them or causing more trauma
Who would be Interested in this Job?
This job would be good for someone who has a basic understanding forensics. This person should have an interest in Science but more importantly an interest in children. They need to have strong people skills. Problem solving skills are also very important.
Baltimore Child Abuse Center is looking for a forensic interviewer to work with children that have been sexually abused/ assaulted or are exposed to violence. This is a full time position
Area of Forensic Science Botany F.C.
__Forensic botanists__ look to plant life in order to gain information regarding possible crimes. Leaves,seeds andpollen found either on a body or at the scene of a crime can offer valuable information regarding the timescales of a crime and also if the body has been moved between two or more different locations. The forensic study of pollen is known as forensic palynology and can often produce specific findings of location of death, decomposition and time of year. The knowledge of systematics leads to identification of evidences at crime scene. The morphological and anatomical study revels in collection of samples from crime scene and its in vitro analysis. It leads to proper submission of evidences in court of law.
People who might be attracted to forensic botany must love mathematics, science, work hard, nature, and like to write reports about cases.
The average __salary__ of a typical botanist is $61,922. __Requirements__: four years of college and a Bachelor's degree are the minimum requirements for most careers in botany. With these, positions are available as laboratory technicians or technical assistants in education, industry, government, museums, parks and botanical gardens. As in other fields, a wider range of positions is available with more education and experience. Many positions require a Master's or Doctor's degree. A Ph.D. is required for most teaching and research positions in colleges and universities. High school courses that could help are English, foreign language, mathematics, chemistry, physics, biology, social studies and humanities.
If interested in the __job__ there is an opening as a full time employee in Newark, DE.
INTRODUCTORY ACTIVITY
For each case listed below, complete the following,a. Read each case
b. Why might this identification be unreliable?
c. What should the police have done to make it more reliable?
d. Do you think the identification should be admitted in court? Explain.
Case 1: Hospital Visit An attacker in the victims home slays the husband and severely wounds the wife. Police bring a suspect to the hospital handcuffed to a police officer. The suspect is the only Latino man in the room. An officer asks the wife whether the suspect is "the man". After the suspect repeats :a few words for voice identification," the wife identifies him as the attacker. At trial, the wife identifies the suspect.
Case 2: Hallway An undercover police officer buys heroin from a dealer in a hallway lit only by natural light. The two stand two feet apart for about three minutes. Afterward, the officer describes the dealer to another officer as "a colored man, approximately five feet eleven inches tall, dark complexion, black hair, short styled, having high cheekbones, and of heavy build." The other police officer things he recognizes the suspect from the description. He leaves a police photograph of the suspect for the undercover officer, who sees it two days later and identifies it as a picture of the dealer. In course, the officer identifies the suspect.
Case 3: Lineups At an initial lineup, the witness fails to identify the suspect. Police arrange a show-up, at which the witness makes a tentative identification. Finally, at another lineup, the witness makes a definite identification of the suspect.
Case 4: Parking Lot Show-up A woman calls police and reports seeing from her apartment a man rampaging through a parking lot. Police arrive, stop the man, and an officer goes to the witness's apartment to talk to her. When police ask her to describe the man, the witness points out of her window to the man standing next to the police officer in the parking lot. The witness later fails to identify the man in a throw-down at the police station.
FORENSIC SCIENCE
The word forensic has its root in the Latin word forum. In ancient Rome, a forum was a public place where citizens discussed politics, a marketplace where they traded goods, and the venue for criminal trials. Today, the word forensic can apply to anything related to the law.
The First Forensic Use of DNA
In 1986, two separate murders of teenage girls took place near Leicester in England. Both girls had been raped and strangled. Fearing a serial predator was on the loose, police went on a manhunt. Soon, investigators focused on a 17 year-old suspect who had displayed great interest in one crime scene.
Using the technology of the time, serologists analyzed blood samples that police thought would link the suspect to the crime. The test results were negative. Police knew about a local geneticist named Alec Jeffreys who had developed a technique to map DNA. Police asked Jeffreys for help in creating DNA profiles based upon the suspects blood sample and from semen found at the crime scenes. Jeffreys agreed, and his analysis exonerated the 17 year-old suspect.
His analysis also established that the same person had committed both rapes and murders. Police then asked all local males between the ages of 17 and 34 to provide blood samples for DNA analysis. If a sample matched the profile created by Jeffreys, the police would have a suspect. The police collected thousand of samples, but none matched the profile.
After many months, a local bakery employee tipped off police that a coworker told her he had taken the blood test in place of someone else. When police questioned him, he named his fellow baker, Colin Pitchfork, as the man he had taken the test for. When Pitchfork was tested, his DNA matched. This led to Pitchfork's 1988 conviction for the rape-murders. The case thus involved both the first person ever to be exonerated and the first person ever to be convicted based on DNA evidence.
Forensic Science Career Opportunities
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Trace Evidence Examiner (KW)
Summary: Trace evidence is created when objects contact. Material is often transferred by heat induced by contact friction. The job of a trace evidence examiner is they find the evidence on the scene of a crime. Then, in the lab they compare the materials or fibers to other things to find out what they were and where they came from. Trace evidence examiners identifies and compares specific types of trace materials that could be transferred during the commission of a violent crime. These trace materials include human hair, animal hair, textile fibers and fabric, rope, feathers, soil, glass, and building materials. The physical contact between a suspect and a victim can result in the transfer of trace materials. The identification and comparison of these materials can often associate a suspect to a crime scene or with another individual. These examinations are conducted to assist in the identification of human remains.
Crime Lab Scientist: (AA)
Summary: Crime lab scientists examine the evidence once it is sent back to the lab. They also analyze physical evidence found on either the victim, at the scene of a crime, or both and to compare it to evidence found on the suspect. They can provide expert testimony in a court of law. Preparation of reports describing the results of their analysis. Biology is a major factor in this field of work, as well. Anybody who is interested in science would be ideal for this job.
Average Pay: $20,000-$40,000/year
Education & degree needed: A bachelor’s degree in either forensic science or a related science, like biology, chemistry, molecular biology, physics, and microbiology. It requires, typically, a 4-year program, with an additional 2-year program that is specialized.
Open-jobs: There are a lot of jobs in this position. The job outlook is continuously looking better with every year and with the crime rates going up.
Criminalist (KO)
Applying scientific methods to examine evidence and than testify in court for what they find. They will analyze several different kinds of evidence. They may find themselves working with bullets, tool-marks, and other weapons in order to identify them and connect them to a criminal. They may also look for traces of evidence such a gunpowder residue or soil in order to gain more information on what occurred during the crime. On of the more modern things criminalistics do is analyzing DNA to compare suspects with DNA left at a crime scene. Finally, they also use toxicology methods and chemistry to gain information about drugs and alcohol and the role that they played in the crime.
It seems to me that a person who loves science would be a good fit. In addition, they should also like to analyze data and track results. Problem solving skills are also important as there will be highly unusual cases.
Future of the position: Average pay- $21.79
Bachelors degree in chemistry, biology or forensic science
On the job training is only required
Open Positions
Senior Criminalist
Perform physical and chemical analyses of evidentiary substances encountered in the course of criminal investigations or conduct chemical analyses to determine the nature and quantity of toxic substances in body tissues and fluids of living or deceased persons for forensic or criminalistics purposes not primarily related to patient care
Monthly pay: $6,576.10 - $8,169.56
Criminalist
Collecting and analyzing physical evidence. Subject to be called at any hour. May work in adverse or unpleasant conditions including high places and in close proximity to dead bodies
Salary: $64,937-110,870
Forensic Toxicology (TE)
The science of using pharmacology or chemistry, to help medical or legal investigators determine a person’s cause of death. Forensic toxicologists may check blood, urine and other body fluids for high amounts of drug concentrations that may have caused death. Forensic toxicologists also have the responsibility of checking the brain, spleen and liver for evidence of drug use that may have caused early death in the victim. In addition to this, forensic toxicologists also check stomach contents for evidence that can point to cause of death. All of this information found postmortem can be strong evidence used in court to convict a defendant.Forensic Photography (Daniel Gonzalez)
Summary: Also known as forensic imaging, this occupation has the task of producing accurate images of a disaster or accident scene for the benefit of a court. This is a very crucial part in collecting evidence. This job helps provide investigators and detectives with photos of the scene, as well as any other objects or items present. Forensic photography includes choosing the best lighting for situations, accurate angling, and most importantly different viewpoints. All the images taken provide very crucial pieces of evidence for solving a crime.
This Is Best For:
People who love taking photos, or have a ‘good eye’ for spotting things
Position Info:
Becoming a Forensic Photographer
Forensic Photography Salary
- Must have pre-experience in some kind of law enforcement
- Acquire technical and realistic skills of a photographer(have an eye for detail)
- Understand legal requirements for photos
- Get certification in taking photography
- Average Annual Salary: $42,000
Open Positions:General Dynamics Information Technology
DNA Analysis (MB)
Andrew Judge
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Forensic Archaeology (CS)
Blood Splatter Analyst (DH)
Forensic Video Analysis (KH)
Forensic Dactyloscopy (RB)
FORENSIC ANTHROPOLOGY (DP)
Forensic Seismology (PT)
Forensic Chemistry (JC)
Forensic Serology Kacey Werner
Summary:
- Forensic Serology, as defined by wikipedia, is the detection, classification and study of various bodily fluids such as blood, semen, fecal matter and perspiration and their relationship to a crime scene. A forensic serologist may also be involved in DNA analysis and bloodstain pattern analysis. Not every lab has a Forensic Serologist so someone in another field such as a criminalist, a biochemist, a forensic biologist, or other technician will do what they do. These people usually have to have a Bachelor's or Master's degree, but serologist would possess an M.D. or Ph.D. In short, Forensic serologists test blood, semen, saliva and other bodily fluids found at crime scenes to get information that links a victim with a suspect.
Who might be attracted to position:- -strong people and communication skills
- -organizational skills
- -ability to juggle several tasks at once
Future of the position:- -at least an undergraduate degree in biology
- -usually coursework in math and criminal investigation
- -depending where you go, you might be required to have an advanced degree in biology or in forensic science or criminal justice
- -internships are also helpful
Future Pay:- -about $52,000
Open Positions:==
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Forensic Interviewer (HB)
What does a Forensic Interviewer do?
They work with children. They are like a child advocate during an investigation, they are the people who obtain information from children during an investigation. They are solely used in a medical setting. They are not there to help the children emotionally, they are there to gain accurate information in a manor that is targeted to work for children. They are used for children under seven or who have history of abuse or a disability.Their goal is to get as much accurate information as possible from children without scaring them or causing more trauma
Who would be Interested in this Job?
This job would be good for someone who has a basic understanding forensics. This person should have an interest in Science but more importantly an interest in children. They need to have strong people skills. Problem solving skills are also very important.
Future of the Career
The average salary is $49,000 a year
Degrees recommended
Criminal Justice
Social Work
Sociology
Psychology
Area of Forensic Science Botany F.C.